Potential role of melatonin in prevention and treatment of oral carcinomaAbhishek Mehta, Gurkiran KaurApril-June 2014, 5(2):86-91DOI:10.4103/0975-962X.135269

Melatonin, a hormone secreted mainly by pineal gland has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the oral cavity where it reaches through saliva. These properties have been found to be beneficial in certain oral pathologies including periodontal diseases, herpes viral infections and Candida, local inflammatory processes, xerostomia, oral ulcers and oral cancer. The objective of this review is to discuss the mechanism of action and potential role of melatonin as a preventive and curative agent for oral cancer. an extensive review of databases like pubmed, medline, science direct and Cochrane reviews was conducted to find articles related to beneficial actions of melatonin in human body with focus on cancers. Numerous studies both in-vitro and in-vivo had shown promising results regarding role of melatonin as anti-carcinogenic agent.Melatonin may play a role in protecting the oral cavity from tissue damage caused by oxidative stress. The experimental evidence suggests that melatonin may have utility in the treatment of several common cancers of the body. However, more specific studies are necessary to extend the therapeutic possibilities to oral carcinoma.

Impact of the quality of coronal restoration and root canal filling on the periapical health in adult syrian subpopulationHisham AlafifApril-June 2014, 5(2):75-80DOI:10.4103/0975-962X.135265

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the status of periapical tissues of endodontically treated teeth according to coronal restorations and root canal fillings separately and in concomitant in adult Syrian subpopulation. Methods: 784 endodontically treated teeth from two hundred randomly selected Syrian adult patients were radiographically evaluated . According to predetermined criteria, the quality of coronal restorations and root canal filling of each tooth was scored as adequate or inadequate. The status of periapical tissues was also classified as healthy or diseased. Results were analyzed using Chi-squared test. Results: Adequate coronal restorations were determined in 58.54% of cases which was accompanied with less periapical pathosis than that in teeth with inadequate restorations (P < 0.01). 14% of teeth were restored by posts which showed no significant impact on the periapical tissues health. 18.5% of endodontic treatments were evaluated as adequate with less number of periapical radiolucencies than that of inadequate root canal fillings (P < 0.01). Absence of periapical pathosis was 96.6% in cases with both adequate coronal restorations and root canals fillings. The rate was 88.5% in cases with only adequate root canals fillings, and about 70% in cases with only adequate coronal restorations. When the treatment was inadequate in both coronal and root canals fillings, success rate was only observed in 48.8%. Conclusion: The most important factor with regard to the periradicular tissue health is the quality of root canal filling without neglecting the influence of coronal restoration (regardless of its type). There is a high prevalence rate of periapical pathosis in Syrian subpopulation due to poor dental practice.

Intramuscular hemangioma (IMH) is relatively rare benign tumor of vascular origin. Phleboliths are calcified thrombi found in the presence of hemangioma. The main treatment of the hemangioma is a surgical extirpation based on location, accessibility, and cosmetic considerations. We herein report a rare case of IMH with phleboliths of the tongue with clinical, imaging, and histopathological findings.

Background: In this study Serum Vitamin C and Iron levels in Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) were estimated. The objective was to evaluate the correlation between Serum Vitamin C and Iron levels in OSMF individuals. Serum Iron content can be a predictor for the progression of this condition. OSMF is basically a disorder of collagen metabolism where Vitamin C gets utilized in conversion of proline into hydroxyproline, this hydroxylation reaction requires ferrous Iron and Vitamin C. Many studies regarding micronutrients and other antioxidants levels have been emphasized, but very few studies are done on the Serum levels of Vitamin C and its correlation with Iron in OSMF patients. Methods: Thirty five OSMF patients and 50 deleterious habit free healthy individuals (controls) were selected. Two ml of venous blood was collected from each individual. Vitamin C level in serum was estimated by 2-4 dinitrophenylhydrazine method and Iron estimated by Tripyridyl method. Results: The level of Serum Vitamin-C and Iron was significantly decreased in OSMF patients when compared to controls which were statistically significant. Conclusion : On the basis of these observations, it seems possible that the chemical, thermal and/or mechanical factors associated with the use of areca nut may act in conjunction with the Vitamin C and Iron deficiency leading to the development of OSMF. Therapeutic substitution of vitamin C and Iron may be recommended in the management of OSMF

Objectives: Evaluation of clinical presentation of cystic lesions of the maxillofacial region, their relation to radiological picture, and treatment planning so as to plan and execute a patient need based treatment modality after co-relating it to the eventual histopathological diagnosis. Methods: 25 cases with clinico-radiological diagnosis of a cyst were selected and treated, and the diagnosis was co-related to the eventual histopathological diagnosis. The patients were followed up for at least 3 months (3-12 months). An attempt was made to underline patient and lesion related variables having a bearing on the choice of treatment modality in each case. Results: Out of 25 patients, 28% were females and 72% males. Commonly affected age groups were 11-20 (40%) and 31-40 years (24%). 76% of 25 patients complained of swelling on the first visit. 96% lesions were related to jaws, of which 15 were in the mandible and 9 were in the maxilla. 58.33% bone lesions had cortical expansion. 92% lesions were confirmed to be cysts histopathologically. Two were ameloblastomas. 80% patients underwent enucleation with various adjunctive procedures. 32% patients faced temporary post operative complications. No recurrences were observed. Radiological presentation of lesions and patient's age were found to be the two most important radiological and clinical variables affecting treatment planning. Conclusions: A comprehensive patient need based treatment plan can be reached only after taking various patient and lesion related variables (which may manifest as clinical, radiological or histological parameters) into consideration.

Cases of severe attrition are a common finding. Among the congenital anomalies, amelogenesis imperfecta and dentinogenesis imperfecta are important conditions that may cause accelerated wear of teeth. The following case report describes the complete oral rehabilitation of a patient diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta. A detailed treatment plan was chalked out which included proper oral hygiene measures, restoration of carious teeth and endodontic treatment followed by foundation restorations of teeth that were crucial for the final prostheses. Patient was given transitional restorations for about 6 weeks with the aim of regaining the lost vertical dimensions. Final rehabilitation was done by fixed dental prostheses.

A fibrous or flabby ridge is a superficial area of mobile soft tissue affecting the maxillary or mandibular alveolar ridges. It can develop when hyperplastic soft tissue replaces the alveolar bone and is a common finding particularly in the upper anterior region of long term denture wearers. Masticatory forces can displace this mobile denture-bearing tissue, leading to altered denture positioning and loss of peripheral seal. Forces exerted during the act of impression making can result in distortion of the mobile tissue. Unless managed appropriately by special impression techniques, such 'flabby ridges' adversely affect the support, retention and stability of complete dentures. This paper presents three case reports for prosthodontic rehabilitation of patient with flabby ridges with three different impression techniques.

For full-thickness lip defects, the choice of reconstructive option depends on the size of the defect. Defects of one-quarter to one-third of the upper lip can be closed primarily. Largerdefects measuring one-third to two-thirds of the lower lip width may be closed with the Karapandzic, Abbe or Estlander flaps. If the commissure is involved, both the Karapandzic and Estlander flaps may be used; however, the Karapandzic is probably the better choice because it is better at maintaining oral competence. In the case of larger lower lip defects (more than two-thirds of the lip), if there is sufficient adjacent cheek tissue, the surgeon may employ the Karapandzic (for defects up to three-fourths of the lower lip width) or the Bernard-Burow's techniques (to reconstruct the entire lower lip). A case of post-traumatic, lower lip defect, reconstructed with a bilateral karapandzic flap is presented here.

Supernumerary teeth occur frequently in human dentition, but presence of multiple supernumerary teeth in patients without any associated syndrome or systemic disorder is a rare phenomenon. Presence of supernumerary teeth in itself is not a problem and may not require removal in all cases but in certain conditions, they may be associated with several clinical complications and require removal. Here, we present a 14 year old female who complained of non emergence of permanent teeth. Orthopantomogram initially showed presence of fifteen impacted supernumerary teeth distributed in all quadrants, but later, cone-beam computed tomography further revealed four additional teeth, totaling to nineteen supernumerary teeth. Consultation with concerned specialists ruled out any syndromes or systemic disorders which led us to the diagnosis of ''non-syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth'' and this probably is the highest number of supernumerary teeth reported in a single non-syndromic patient till date.

The clinical classification of Robinow-Sorauf syndrome has changed over the last few decades. Robinow-Sorauf syndrome is characterized by facies similar to those of Saethre-Chotzen syndrome with bifid or partially duplicated halluces. The current outlook is that the 'Robinow-Sorauf' families are examples of variable expression of the TWIST mutant phenotype and that the 'Robinow-Sorauf' syndrome lies within the spectrum of the Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. We present a case of 19-year-old female patient exhibiting classical clinical and radiological features of Robinow-Sorauf phenotype of Saethre-Chotzen syndrome. A brief review of previously reported cases and nosology has been presented.

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the oral hygiene awareness and practices amongst patients visiting the Department of Periodontology at Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Ramnagar (Patiala). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the patients visiting the Department of Periodontology of Gian Sagar Dental College and Hospital, Ramnagar, Patiala. This proposed study was reviewed by the Institutional ethical committee and their clearance was obtained. A total of 1000 patients were selected using a convenient sampling technique and a self-constructed questionnaire was presented to them. Responses from the patients were evaluated in terms of numbers and percentages and statistically also they were highly significant (P < 0.005). Results: The results of the study show an acute lack of oral hygiene awareness and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices as well as effect of poor oral hygiene on systemic health. Conclusion : There is an urgent need for comprehensive educational programs to promote good oral hygiene and impart education about correct oral hygiene practices.